TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A firefighter rescue dinghy capsized during a search for a drowning victim in New Taipei on Tuesday, leading to the drowning of 37-year-old firefighter Wu En-shou (吳恩碩).

Five rescuers were in the dinghy when it overturned due to raging waters flowing over a dam associated with Typhoon Danas. Two other firefighters, Tsao (曹) and Chang (張), were also trapped in strong currents and had to be revived through CPR when pulled from the water, as they continued to recuperate at a local hospital, per PTS. 

The firefighters had set out after receiving a report at 4 p.m. that a 50-year-old man named Chen (陳) disappeared while stand-up paddleboarding downstream of Guangxing Bridge. As firefighters approached his abandoned SUP, their dinghy capsized. Chen's body was later discovered an hour later with no vital signs.

Upon hearing of the accident, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) rushed to the hospital to visit the firefighters. “People were playing in the water, which is against regulations. After the drowning was reported, three colleagues were swept under in the rescue process because their boat capsized.”

Hou said, "As for the cause of the accident and why the boat capsized, a further investigation will reveal more details. During the rescue, our colleagues were very well equipped, and we will set up a special task force to investigate how such an accident could occur."

The New Taipei Fire Department said all personnel on duty had received professional rapid lifesaving training and were wearing standard equipment throughout the entire rescue process. However, because the water was too turbulent, the boat capsized.

The fire department confirmed that they conducted the rescue following all standard operating procedures. At the time of the incident, there was only one dinghy that ventured into dangerous waters to perform the rescue.